Staff
Principal
Shasta Looper
Dr. Shasta Kelly Looper serves as the principal of Summit Academy, where she is committed to fostering an innovative, student-centered learning environment that empowers every learner to thrive. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to helping students discover their strengths while supporting educators in creating meaningful learning experiences.
Before joining Summit Academy, Dr. Looper served as the Instructional Coach at Youth Leadership Academy. Throughout her career, she has served as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher, literacy coach, adjunct technology instructor, and master teacher. Her diverse background in curriculum, literacy, instructional coaching, and educational technology provides a strong foundation for leading Summit Academy's innovative digital-hybrid learning community.
In 2012, Dr. Looper received the Milken Educator Award for the state of South Carolina. This award continues to connect her with a nationwide network of educators committed to advancing excellence and innovation in education.
Dr. Looper earned a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Assessment from Southern Wesleyan University. She also holds a Master of Education in Leadership and Supervision from Lamar University, a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Southern Wesleyan University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Dr. Looper believes that every student deserves a learning experience that reflects their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. She is passionate about partnering with families and staff to cultivate a school culture where students feel known, valued, and challenged to reach their full potential.
She is honored to lead Summit Academy's innovative digital-hybrid learning community, where flexibility, personalized learning, and strong relationships equip students with the confidence and skills they need for future success.
When she's not at Summit Academy, Dr. Looper enjoys spending time with her husband, Cheney, and their two dogs, Buster and Ruby. She also enjoys reading and swimming laps.
